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Muna Tengi
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Top 10 Musicians From Kwara State
Kwara State, located in the North-Central region of Nigeria, is a state known for its cultural diversity and rich heritage. Though its capital, Ilorin, is renowned for its academic and Islamic institutions, the state has also produced several talented musicians who have made significant contributions to the Nigerian music scene. From traditional Yoruba sounds to contemporary genres like Afrobeats, gospel, and hip-hop, musicians from Kwara State have showcased their unique talents on both the local and international stages. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the top 10 musicians who hail from Kwara State, exploring their biographies, careers, and achievements.
1. 9ice (Abolore Akande)
Genre: Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, Traditional Yoruba Music
Popular Songs: "Gongo Aso," "Street Credibility," "No Be Mistake"
Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, is one of the most successful musicians from Kwara State. Born and raised in Ogbomosho, which is part of Kwara State, 9ice became a household name in Nigeria with his breakthrough hit "Gongo Aso" in 2008. His music blends elements of Yoruba folk songs with Afrobeats and hip-hop, making him a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
9ice’s deep, soulful voice and lyrical prowess in the Yoruba language earned him multiple awards, including the MTV Africa Music Awards and Headies. His songs often celebrate Yoruba culture and values, touching on themes of love, perseverance, and societal issues. Over the years, 9ice has remained an influential figure in the Nigerian music industry, maintaining his legacy as one of the most iconic musicians from Kwara State.
2. Tope Alabi
Genre: Gospel
Popular Songs: "Yes and Amen," "Agbara Nla," "Oruko Tuntun"
Tope Alabi is one of Nigeria’s most beloved gospel musicians and hails from Kwara State. Known for her powerful and soulful voice, Tope Alabi’s music has touched the hearts of millions of gospel music lovers across the world. She first gained attention in the early 2000s for her Yoruba-language gospel songs, and her music has since become a staple in Nigerian Christian worship settings.
Tope Alabi’s albums, such as "Agbara Nla" and "Oruko Tuntun," have achieved commercial success, and her collaboration with other gospel musicians has further solidified her influence in the genre. With several decades of music ministry behind her, she continues to be a source of inspiration for many, as her songs often focus on themes of God’s power, grace, and mercy.
3. Jaywon (Iledare Oluwajuwonlo)
Genre: Afropop, Afrobeat
Popular Songs: "This Year (Odun Yi)," "Aje," "Back to Sender"
Jaywon, whose full name is Iledare Oluwajuwonlo, is a talented Afropop artist from Kwara State. He gained national prominence with his hit single "This Year (Odun Yi)," which became an anthem for celebrations and New Year’s events across Nigeria. Known for his smooth vocals and catchy melodies, Jaywon’s music blends traditional Yoruba sounds with modern Afropop elements, creating songs that resonate with a broad audience.
Jaywon has collaborated with several notable Nigerian artists and has released multiple albums that have been well-received. His ability to craft songs that celebrate life’s milestones and offer motivational messages has endeared him to fans across Nigeria and beyond. With his consistent output, Jaywon remains one of the most successful musicians from Kwara State.
4. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister
Genre: Fuji
Popular Songs: "Fuji Garbage," "Ile Aiye," "Okiki"
Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, widely regarded as the father of modern Fuji music, was a legendary figure from Kwara State. Born in 1948 in Ibadan but with deep roots in Kwara, Barrister is credited with popularizing Fuji, a genre that blends traditional Yoruba music with Islamic praise chants and percussion-heavy rhythms.
His pioneering work in the 1970s and 1980s laid the foundation for the Fuji music scene in Nigeria, and he is remembered for his unique voice and poetic storytelling in his songs. With over 50 albums to his name, including classics like "Fuji Garbage" and "Ile Aiye," Sikiru Ayinde Barrister’s influence on Nigerian music is undeniable. Even after his passing in 2010, his legacy lives on, as he inspired future generations of Fuji musicians.
5. Sean Tizzle (Morihanfen Oluwaseun Oluwabamidele)
Genre: Afropop, R&B
Popular Songs: "Sho Lee," "Perfect Gentleman," "Komole"
Sean Tizzle, born Morihanfen Oluwaseun Oluwabamidele, is another successful Afropop artist from Kwara State. He rose to prominence with his hit single "Sho Lee," which became a massive club anthem and established him as one of Nigeria’s top Afropop stars. His music combines catchy hooks with infectious beats, making him a favorite among Afropop enthusiasts.
Sean Tizzle’s debut album, The Journey, received critical acclaim, and he won the Headies Award for Next Rated Artist in 2014. Over the years, he has continued to release chart-topping singles and remains a respected figure in the Nigerian music scene, showcasing the talent that Kwara State continues to produce.
6. Femi Adebayo
Genre: Fuji, Islamic Music
Popular Songs: "Oro Abo," "Isese," "Asiri Tope"
Femi Adebayo is a prominent Fuji and Islamic music artist from Kwara State. Known for his soulful voice and devotion to Islamic teachings, Adebayo’s music primarily revolves around spiritual themes, using music as a vehicle to spread messages of faith, love, and morality. His ability to infuse traditional Yoruba sounds into his music while staying true to Islamic values has made him popular, especially in southwestern Nigeria.
Femi Adebayo’s numerous albums have made him a beloved figure among fans of Islamic music, and his contribution to the Fuji genre has helped him build a lasting legacy in Nigerian music.
7. Bisade Ologunde (Lagbaja)
Genre: Afrobeat, Afrofusion
Popular Songs: "Konko Below," "Gra Gra," "Never Far Away"
Lagbaja, whose real name is Bisade Ologunde, is one of the most iconic Nigerian musicians, and he hails from Kwara State. Known for his signature mask and anonymity, Lagbaja’s music is a unique blend of Afrobeat, highlife, and traditional Yoruba rhythms. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of Afrofusion, and his socially conscious lyrics often address political corruption, inequality, and societal issues in Nigeria.
Lagbaja’s hit songs like "Konko Below" and "Gra Gra" have become classics in Nigerian music, and his energetic performances and mastery of the saxophone have set him apart as a musician. With a career spanning over two decades, Lagbaja remains one of the most innovative and respected artists from Kwara State.
8. Lara George
Genre: Gospel, Contemporary Christian Music
Popular Songs: "Ijoba Orun," "Dansaki," "Ko Ma Si"
Lara George is a renowned gospel singer and songwriter from Kwara State. Her powerful voice and inspiring gospel songs have made her one of the leading voices in Nigeria’s gospel music industry. She first gained national recognition as a member of the gospel group Kush before embarking on a successful solo career.
Her hit single "Ijoba Orun" became a national gospel anthem, and she has since released several albums filled with spiritually uplifting songs. Lara George’s music is known for its powerful messages of faith, hope, and praise, making her an inspirational figure to millions of listeners. Her influence in the gospel genre is unmatched, and she continues to be a role model for aspiring gospel artists.
9. Qdot (Qudus Fakoya)
Genre: Afropop, Street Pop
Popular Songs: "Gbese," "Jaiye," "Koshi Danu"
Qdot, born Qudus Fakoya, is a rising Afropop and street-pop artist from Kwara State. He gained prominence with his breakout single "Gbese," a street anthem that became widely popular in Lagos and beyond. Qdot’s music is heavily influenced by Yoruba culture and language, and he often incorporates traditional Yoruba sounds and street vibes into his songs.
His energetic performances and catchy melodies have made him a favorite among young music lovers in Nigeria. With his unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds, Qdot continues to carve out his niche in the competitive Nigerian music industry.
10. Shola Allyson
Genre: Gospel, Soul
Popular Songs: "Eji Owuro," "Alujanjankijan," "Obirin Ni Mi"
Shola Allyson is a soulful gospel and inspirational singer from Kwara State. She first gained widespread attention with her album Eji Owuro, which became a major success and established her as a unique voice in Nigerian gospel music. Her songs often carry deep spiritual messages, and her soothing voice has made her a favorite in the Nigerian Christian music scene.
Shola Allyson’s music transcends genres, blending traditional Yoruba music with contemporary gospel, and her albums have been met with critical acclaim. As a devout Christian, she uses her music as a tool to inspire faith and bring listeners closer to God.
Conclusion
Kwara State has a rich cultural history, and its musicians have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s diverse music industry. From the pioneering Fuji sound of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister to the modern Afropop of 9ice and Sean Tizzle, these talented individuals have brought pride to their state and influenced the nation’s musical landscape. Whether through gospel, hip-hop, Afropop, or traditional genres, the musicians from Kwara State continue to showcase their unique talents, earning both local and international recognition.
